Near Clifton in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Union Mills Historic Site

September 13, 2008

1. Union Mills Historic Site Marker

Inscription. In the late 18th century, following the American Revolution, this area of Fairfax County began to be referred to as Union Mills. Covering five or six square miles between Popes Head Run and Johnny Moore Run, it was recognized for its water powered mills. In addition to milling, local industries included talc quarrying, farming, grazing and lumbering.

During the Civil War, Union Mills became strategically important to the Confederates due to the routing of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad through the region and as a defensive position for Manassas Junction. Ironically, Union Mills’ location, which should have assured its success, led to its decline as nearby Clifton developed into a railroad and lumbering center.

Overgrown mill races, the quarry outcropping and the remaining Confederate fortifications, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are all reminders of Union Mills history.

Union Mills is a Fairfax County Historic Site.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil.

Location. 38° 47.664′ N, 77° 25.697′ W.

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Marker is near Clifton, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is on Balmoral Greens Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Currently, the only available parking is on the shoulder of the road. Pedestrian access is currently accomplished from the shoulder of the road and along unimproved foot paths. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13772 Balmoral Greens Ave, Clifton VA 20124, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: McLean Farm (approx. 1.1 miles away); Wilmer McLean after the Civil War

Close-up of Map on Marker image. Click for full size.

September 13, 2008

2. Close-up of Map on Marker

(approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Wilmer McLean's Yorkshire (approx. 1.1 miles away); Ivakota Farm (approx. 1.3 miles away); Blackburn's Ford (approx. 1.3 miles away); a different marker also named Blackburn’s Ford (approx. 1.3 miles away); Civil War Earthworks (approx. 1½ miles away); Mitchell's Ford (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clifton.

Other markers no longer nearby. Wilmer McLean’s Yorkshire (was approx. 1.1 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Blackburn’s Ford (was approx. 1.3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . .
1. Confederate Fortifications Historic Site. Fairfax County Park Authority General Management Plan (Submitted on September 14, 2008.)

2. Tour Photo Gallery - Union Mills. From Bull Run Civil War Round Table. (Submitted on February 19, 2010.)

September 13, 2008

3. Union Mills Historic Site Marker

The marker is largely overgrown and difficult to see from the road.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2008. This page has been viewed 8,524 times since then and 242 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 14, 2008. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.